Chateau Mission Haut-Brion 25.6-hectare vineyard is located across from Chateau Haut-Brion, in Talence, near Bordeaux. The 2001 Chateau Mission Haut-Brion is 33.7% Merlot, 11.3% Cabernet Franc, and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Pessac-Leognan vintage displays a very deep violet-tinted dark-red colour. The nose is intense and open, revealing scents of black cherry, blackberry, but also spices. On the palate, the broad sweet attack evolves into strong tannins; and coats the mid-palate with a creamy texture. The finish offers tightening tannins and very pleasant, persistent flavours.
The small production (4,150 cases) of 2011 La Mission-Haut-Brion displays the nobility and complexity of this great terroir. Burning embers, scorched earth, blueberry, black currant, licorice and spice aromas jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. With full body (atypical for a 2011), but no hard edges, this opulent, multidimensional, fleshy, rich, stunningly long, well-balanced La Mission is another great achievement in what has been nearly a century of producing remarkable wines from this hallowed vineyard. The long 2011 should be reasonably mature in another 4-6 years, and last for two decades. It will always be a revelation in a vintage that is unlikely to receive a lot of exciting press. The final blend was 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc.